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Ostomy surgery involves the redirection of the colon, small intestine, or bladder to expel waste through a person's abdomen via a stoma. In the United States, it is estimated that over a million individuals have undergone ostomy procedures, with more than 100,000 new surgeries performed annually. While this surgery is lifesaving, it also brings significant life changes.

Following ostomy surgery, individuals, often referred to as ostomates, are required to wear an ostomy pouch or bag on their abdomen to collect waste around the clock. Adjusting to this new reality can be exceptionally challenging, and maintaining a hygienic and stress-free pouch change can be very challenging.

Stomagienics was established in 2014 after co-founder Theresa Johnson's father, Liney Guidry, underwent a urostomy procedure following the removal of his bladder. Liney struggled with changing his pouch because stomas don't come with an "off" switch. They can continuously produce waste, making it difficult to keep the skin clean during a change, and this process can be emotionally traumatic.

Like many ostomates, Liney  battled with severe depression, a loss of confidence, and a sense of isolation. He was apprehensive about leaving his home due to the fear of a pouch leak because of the uncertainty in his pouching process.

Determined to improve his quality of life, Liney invented a rudimentary device that transformed his life overnight. This invention finally gave him the ability to manage the unpredictable stoma and change his pouch cleanly and efficiently. Before long, he was fishing in the Gulf, resuming his regular workout routine, and working in his garden.

Recognizing the significant gap in ostomy care, Liney's family, using his design, developed and patented the StomaGenie. This innovative device covers an exposed stoma and channels waste into a biodegradable, disposable tube lined with super absorbency. Once the skin is prepared and the pouch is applied, the cartridge is plugged and discarded.

After obtaining Medicare and health insurance reimbursement, Stomagienics secured distribution through the nation's largest ostomy suppliers as well as regional and local distributors. It is now being adopted as a standard of ostomy care in prominent hospitals such as NYU Langone Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Yale New Haven Health System and Tucson Medical Center.

COO Theresa Johnson stated, "Stomagienics continues to have a profound impact on ostomy care by educating healthcare providers, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, and ostomy clinics about the StomaGenie. Ostomates no longer need to live with anxiety, fear, or depression. Gaining control over an unpredictable stoma has been a game-changer."

Proudly headquartered in Greenville, SC, Stomagienics has seen its revenue double over the past two years and is positioned to achieve the same in 2023. Due to international demand, they expanded into Canada in 2022 and are preparing to enter the European market in 2024. Recognizing increased capacity needs, expansion plans are in place and utilizing local resources is their top priority.

In summary, Stomagienics is on a positive trajectory, and with continued emphasis on expansion, education, marketing and customer satisfaction, they are well-positioned for sustained growth and success in the years ahead.